The Palatka daily news. (Palatka, Fla.) 1884-1888, 1887-04-13
A GLIMPSE OF BEAUyOIR.
The Quiet Home of the Ex-President
the Southern Confederacy.

the Southern Confectionery
Atlanta Constitution
Major John Elder, the well-knOwn ar
fist of Richmond, Va has been tie
guest. for some days past, of his frier d.
Major Van Holt Nash. of this city. Major
Elder has Just returned from quite a
visit at the home of Ex-President JEFF
fersOn Davis, at Beauvoir, Mississippi.
where he was engaged in the work of
painting hte-sized portrait of the
noted soldier and statesman. The por-
trait Is the property of the State of
Virginia, and Is now in the Capitol at
Richmond.
Il was the guest of the family at
Beauvoir Just a month, said Ma ior Elder
to Constitution representative, and
most delightful month il was, / assure
you. Beauvoir is a delightful place The
mansion "A large, stately-lOOking struct-
ure, the finest ON the coast. Ii Is situa
ted off about half a mile from BeauvoIr
station, but cannot be seen from the rail
road because of the trees which surround
it. The house contains many valuable
paintings and mementOes of "A life full of
stirring events.
The Davis family, as you know, con-
| sists of Mr.. Davis. Mrs. Davis and their
| charming daughter. Miss Winnie. Ii Is
a happy household, where hospitality is
| the prevailing spirit.
! BeauvOir is Overrun with visitors. From
| all over the South, North, East and
| West they come. and each find "A kindly
| welcome awaiting him. They find a
/ frail. spare man whose white hair and
| heard indicates the flight of time but
| whose every move reflects the strong,
| resolute character of which the country
/ knows So much. This Is the central fig
! IRE of the household Mr.. Davis is won
| derfully vigorous for man of his years
he IS almost eighty-and can out walk
! me any day. | remember one evening
| was airing my knowledge of fencing
| by going through few motions with
a cane. Mr.. Davis took up another, and
| it was not three minutes before he had
| disarmed me with the greatest ease.
| lit Is really wonderful to see how the
| people down there love him. He could
| go to the United States Senate any day if
| he would but take the oath of allegiance.
| asked him why he didn't do it.
| '''Oh, no. he answered. Il am too old
! for that sort of thing, and want nothing
| To do with it now
Mr.. Davis and | went down To New
Orleans one day. There he is known by
| almost everybody, and il was next to
| impossible to- walk along the streets. SO
numerous were the greetings he received
| They We're of all kinds. | was struck
| with the emotion of an old fellow. who
said, with tears in his eyes:
| - oh, Uncle jeff. I'm powerful glad to
| see YOU I've hoped l might see YOU once
III he. But | carry you with me always.
! With this he barred his forearm. and
there was Davis's portrait tattooed upon
| the SKIN. Mr.. Davis was visiblv af-
| fectesl. and giving the old fellow a part
ing blessing passed on.
| MIR. Davis is the most charming con-
versationalist ever knew. He can con
| verse upon any subject, and is in reality.
"A vast storehouse of information and
knowledge. Everybody Is charmed
with him. His grandeur of manner. the
| strength and force of every motion. to-
| gether with his gentleness and courtesy
| impressed everybody.
| Mrs. Davis Il a woman fit to be the
| wife of such "a man. Miss Winnie-well
| 1t IL hard to find words To describe her
She Il the most remarkable woman
know. Bright and intelligent. a brilliant
conversationalist in three or four differ
ent languages, using each with the great
est of ease, highly accomplished, and al
that. she Is the sort of a Young lady wht
would shine forth brilliantly amid any
surroundings. But what | admire most
is her sttnny disposition; always happy
and cheerful, she goes about the house
whistling and singing everywhere. Sht
is wonderful girl. indeed.
| Il was like member of the family
for a month, as | have said. and | coult
doubtless tell many things which woult
he of interest To the public. but | preftH
not to talk for publication. | will say
however, that if You can pay a visit t,
Beauvoir You will find it one of the mos
pleasant episodes of your life"